Namgung Jeong’s killing intent surged into the air.
“Your sworn brother?” he asked.
“Yes,” Namgung Un replied. “In truth, all the merits I achieved this time are thanks to him.”
“You mean that mercenary, Seolso?” Namgung Jeong said.
Namgung Un felt as if he’d been struck on the back of his head. “You knew?”
“Did you think I wouldn’t?” Namgung Jeong replied.
A chill ran through Namgung Un. “Does our palace have spies in the Beggars’ Sect?”
“Spies?” Namgung Jeong’s brow furrowed slightly. “No one calls informants placed in various regions spies.”
“Oh, I see. My apologies for the slip,” Namgung Un said, scratching his head with an embarrassed expression.
He had heard from Bu Eunseol about a faction placing spies in both righteous and demonic sects. Wasn’t Nobong, the Beggars’ Sect leader, a spy for an external force? This realization had made Namgung Un aware of spies in various factions, fostering both aversion and fear.
“That mercenary, Seolso, is said to be among the top elites in the Red Sky Veil,” Namgung Jeong continued. “Even the Crystal Hall, Dam Yuyeon, praised him highly.”
Astonishingly, Namgung Jeong had thoroughly investigated Seolso and seemed to be acquainted with Dam Yuyeon. ‘It’s because we visited the Divine Maiden Palace together,’ Namgung Un realized, recalling that he had accompanied Bu Eunseol, disguised as Seolso, to the Divine Maiden Palace, where Namgung Sea resided.
‘My aunt is there,’ he thought. Namgung Sea, at the Divine Maiden Palace, must have reported on Seolso, prompting the clan to conduct a comprehensive investigation.
“So, you handled this matter with that mercenary, Seolso,” Namgung Jeong said.
“Yes,” Namgung Un confirmed.
‘Thankfully, they haven’t discovered that Brother Bu is the demonic path’s heir,’ he thought, inwardly sighing with relief.
But Namgung Jeong, misinterpreting his expression, said, “Being honest is good, but you can’t say you have no merit.”
“No, truly, my sworn brother handled everything,” Namgung Un insisted sincerely. “It was all his doing in uncovering the Beggars’ Sect’s plot.”
“You really intend to give him the Boeun Coin?” Namgung Jeong asked.
“Yes,” Namgung Un said, swallowing hard, expecting a thunderous reprimand. After all, who would allow giving away the priceless Boeun Coin?
“Do as you wish,” Namgung Jeong said unexpectedly, approving Namgung Un’s decision with surprising ease.
“Is that alright?” Namgung Un asked.
“Our palace has always valued integrity,” Namgung Jeong replied. “Since you refuse to take credit for another’s achievements, I have no choice but to allow it.”
“Thank you—” Namgung Un began, but Namgung Jeong cut him off firmly.
“There’s a condition.”
“What?”
“Tell him to come to our palace and take the Boeun Coin himself.”
“To the palace?” Namgung Un blinked, confused.
Namgung Jeong’s gaze had already returned to his book—a silent dismissal.
“I understand. I’ll convey the message,” Namgung Un said, clasping his hands with resignation.
The martial world considers the Five Sacred Mountains the most famous peaks. However, true mercenaries praise Mount Huang as the finest. With its peculiar pines and uniquely shaped rocks, Mount Huang’s peaks, like the towering Lotus Peak and the flat Bright Summit, offer mystical beauty and overwhelming grandeur.
Near Mount Huang lay the Southern Palace, the foremost of the Eight Great Families.
“Brother Bu, over here,” Namgung Un called, waving from the third floor of Cloud Sea Tower, the largest inn near Mount Huang.
A man in gray robes, Bu Eunseol disguised as Seolso, sat across from him.
“It’s great to see you again,” Namgung Un said, beaming. At the palace, he felt suffocated, but in the martial world, he felt liberated, especially with his admirable sworn brother.
“You must be tired from the long journey,” Bu Eunseol said, nodding. “Did the Palace Master really agree to give me the Boeun Coin?” he asked.
“Yes,” Namgung Un said proudly. “Our palace is renowned for its integrity. When the Palace Master learned that Seolso accomplished everything, he agreed to give you the coin.”
“Hm,” Bu Eunseol murmured, his expression less than bright.
Namgung Un nodded, understanding. “I know. The Palace Master likely suspects your true identity.”
He wasn’t naive. Namgung Jeong’s insistence that Bu Eunseol retrieve the coin in person was likely to confirm his identity. “He knows we’re sworn brothers and probably wants to ensure you’re not a threat to the palace. I’m sorry.”
“No need to worry,” Bu Eunseol said with a calm smile. “Since the Palace Master has taken an interest in me, it’s something I’d have to resolve anyway.”
Namgung Jeong, leader of the Eight Great Families, was a master of martial prowess and strategy. If he was determined to investigate Seolso, a confrontation was inevitable.
‘This might also be a chance to find who tried to kill Lady Dan,’ Bu Eunseol thought. He had noticed that the third form of Namgung Un’s Emperor Sword Form matched the technique used by the masked assailant who targeted Dan So-ok. Namgung Un had said, ‘My brothers learned it before me.’ This meant one of his brothers was likely the culprit.
However, Bu Eunseol had no intention of seeking the masked figure within the heavily guarded Southern Palace, nor did he wish to stir trouble in Namgung Un’s family. As a righteous clan, targeting a demonic path leader wasn’t a grave sin. But an invitation from the clan changed things. Bu Eunseol resolved to use this opportunity to uncover both the Boeun Coin and the assailant’s identity.
“What are you thinking?” Namgung Un asked.
Bu Eunseol shook his head. “Nothing.”
He gave a sincere smile. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“The Boeun Coin is something I truly needed,” Bu Eunseol said, taking a deep breath. “I’m deeply grateful you’re giving it to me.”
“Grateful? You did all the work, Brother Bu. I was just there,” Namgung Un said, laughing. “The Palace Master knows that, which is why he’s giving it to you.”
Bu Eunseol sensed something odd. Namgung Un consistently referred to his father as “Palace Master,” and each time, his expression dimmed, his eyes darkening—a demeanor unlike his usual brightness.
“Is something wrong?” Bu Eunseol asked.
“What?”
“Is your relationship with the Palace Master strained?”
“No, of course not,” Namgung Un said, waving his hands with a smile. “What strain could there be between father and son?”
He dismissed it lightly, but his eyes remained subdued. “I suppose my wastrel tendencies don’t please him.”
Who calls their father “Palace Master” with such darkened eyes? “I see,” Bu Eunseol said, nodding casually. Prying into family matters wasn’t right, and he didn’t want to force Namgung Un to speak.
“Hm,” Namgung Un murmured, meeting Bu Eunseol’s piercing gaze. A sudden urge to share his burdens arose, likely because he truly trusted and admired Bu Eunseol. “In truth, the Palace Master doesn’t like me. No, he deeply hates me.”
He poured out his hidden feelings. “My mother died giving birth to me,” he said, lowering his head and muttering, “A disloyal son who killed his beloved mother—that’s me.”
Bu Eunseol sighed quietly. A mother dying in childbirth wasn’t uncommon, yet the Palace Master fiercely resented his son for it?
“I spoke out of turn,” Namgung Un said, quickly changing the subject as the mood darkened. “By the way, thank you for keeping Nobong’s matter secret.”
Nobong had been a spy under the previous leader, Sangguan Un, and was a descendant of the Blood Emperor, committing atrocities within the Beggars’ Sect. If this were revealed, the sect would bear an indelible stigma. Namgung Un had asked Bu Eunseol to keep Nobong’s spy status confidential.
“It’s no big deal. The sect would’ve sealed its gates regardless,” Bu Eunseol said.
“Still, if it were known the leader was a spy, the sect could never recover, even in centuries,” Namgung Un replied.
“Perhaps,” Bu Eunseol said, shifting the topic. “Are you sure about giving me the Boeun Coin? It could significantly increase your chances of becoming Palace Master.”
“Me, a Palace Master?” Namgung Un waved dismissively. “And don’t worry—the Palace Master keeps his word.”
He sighed, adding, “But if he learns your true identity, he won’t let it slide.”
Namgung Jeong’s older brother, Namgung Gyeol, was brutally killed by Bu Zhanyang of the Seven-Finger Demon Blade, fueling Namgung Jeong’s hatred for the demonic path, especially its leaders.
“Don’t worry. That won’t happen,” Bu Eunseol said. Even if Namgung Jeong had other intentions, Bu Eunseol had no choice. The Boeun Coin was worth any risk.
***
The Southern Palace’s influence was confined to Anhui, making its territory smaller than other Great Families. Yet it led the Eight Great Families because its true power lay in its people. Southern Palace members held key positions in righteous factions, government, and commerce across the Central Plains.
As the saying went, “You might survive offending the Martial Alliance, but cross the Southern Palace, and you’ll have nowhere to stand.”
This was evident in the constant stream of sect leaders, wealthy merchants, and trade heads visiting the clan’s gates.
‘Impressive,’ Bu Eunseol thought, his eyes gleaming as he surveyed the surroundings with Namgung Un. The Southern Palace’s estate, nestled in Mount Huang, resembled a miniature Martial Alliance headquarters. Martial artists and dignitaries from various fields frequented the estate, with long lines at the guest registry.
“This will be tough,” Bu Eunseol remarked.
“What?” Namgung Un asked, tilting his head.
“Running a clan like this as its leader.”
Namgung Un chuckled, about to respond, when a guard recognized him. “Young Master!” The guard approached, clasping his hands. “The Palace Master has summoned you and your guest to the Spiral Immortal Hall.”
“The Spiral Immortal Hall?” Namgung Un’s expression stiffened.
“What’s that place?” Bu Eunseol asked.
“It’s… the clan’s armory for ancient weapons, with a small training ground inside,” Namgung Un explained.
“An armory,” Bu Eunseol said, narrowing his eyes. “I should prepare myself.”
“Brother Bu.”
“It’s fine. He likely wants a light test. As long as I don’t reveal my martial arts, it should be alright.”
Despite his words, Bu Eunseol’s eyes were grave.
Guided by the guard, they entered the armory, slightly removed from the clan’s center. The interior, paved with solid bluestone, housed various weapons, with a separate vault for ancient relics. At the center stood a middle-aged man in teal robes—Namgung Jeong.
“Seolso, a mercenary, pays respects to the Palace Master,” Bu Eunseol said.
“I am Namgung Jeong,” the Palace Master replied curtly, and silence fell.
“As a swordsman myself, I’ve long admired the Palace Master, known as the Righteous Sword,” Bu Eunseol said, clasping his hands and bowing again. “Meeting you is an honor of three lifetimes.”
His courteous words were to uphold Namgung Un’s dignity as his sworn brother. Normally, even if displeased, the Palace Master would respond with modesty. But Namgung Jeong remained silent, glaring with piercing eyes.
“Leave us,” he said to Namgung Un, nodding. “I have private matters to discuss.”
“Palace Master,” Namgung Un said, sensing the tense atmosphere and forcing a smile. “My sworn brother saved my life multiple times.”
“Leave,” Namgung Jeong repeated, his gaze stern.
Namgung Un lowered his eyes. Normally, he’d have left immediately, but he persisted. “Brother Seol came here, trusting the promise of the Boeun Coin.”
“Are you making me repeat myself three times?” Namgung Jeong’s presence grew imposing, but Namgung Un stood firm.
“Am I not a member of the Southern Palace?” he said, almost shouting. “My sworn brother saved my life multiple times, making him a benefactor of our palace. How can we summon him to a stark armory instead of offering hospitality?”
Namgung Jeong looked slightly surprised. For the first time since Namgung Un’s birth, he had defied him.
“It’s alright,” Bu Eunseol said, patting Namgung Un’s shoulder calmly. “Follow the Palace Master’s orders.”
“But…”
“I carry the Golden Needle Token you gave me. For that alone, he won’t harm me.”
Bu Eunseol’s aura, like Namgung Jeong’s, was unapproachable but instilled boundless reassurance rather than fear.
“Understood. But I’ll stay just outside the hall,” Namgung Un said, indicating his resolve to share Bu Eunseol’s fate if things went wrong.
Bu Eunseol nodded with a faint smile. “Alright.”
“I’ll be outside,” Namgung Un said, leaving.
Namgung Jeong watched him go, then stomped heavily.
Clank. Rumble.
A metallic sound echoed as the hall’s walls and ceiling were covered in dark metal. The Spiral Immortal Hall, housing ancient weapons, had hidden mechanisms to trap intruders.
“You’ve thoroughly won over my kin,” Namgung Jeong said, white light gleaming in his eyes. “Martial Soul Command Lord, Bu Eunseol.”
Astonishingly, he had already discerned Bu Eunseol’s true identity.
“You’re not surprised,” Namgung Jeong noted.
“There’s no reason to be,” Bu Eunseol replied.
“What?”
“Isn’t the Flower-Dissolving Hall Master of the Divine Maiden Palace your sister?” Bu Eunseol said calmly. “Since the Divine Maiden Palace Master is close with Namgung Sea, she would’ve shared my true identity with those she trusts.”
When Bu Eunseol entered the Divine Maiden Palace, Namgung Sea saw his true face and tried to pair him with Yeon Soha. She likely revealed to Yeon Soha that Seolso was Bu Eunseol.
“Knowing your identity was exposed, why come here?” Namgung Jeong asked.
Bu Eunseol snorted softly, but resolute. “I need the Boeun Coin.” The coin, granting an answer from the martial world’s greatest sage, was essential to him. “The Southern Palace Master doesn’t make empty promises.”
Namgung Jeong’s brow twitched. “I promised the coin to Seolso, not a deceitful demonic path scoundrel who manipulated my son.”
“What have I manipulated?” Bu Eunseol countered.
Namgung Jeong’s eyes filled with contempt, typical of a righteous master hating demonic path figures. “Did you think I wouldn’t notice you befriended Un to exploit his talent?”
“Talent,” Bu Eunseol said, shaking his head after staring into Namgung Jeong’s eyes. “Now I understand.”
He sighed, realizing everything. “I see why Namgung Un hasn’t fully blossomed his talent and lives suppressed.”
Namgung Jeong’s eyes flashed. “What do you mean?”
“Palace Master, you love and cherish Namgung Un too much—excessively so.”
Namgung Jeong’s expression turned strange. Everyone in the clan believed he despised and neglected Namgung Un. Yet this demonic path outsider claimed he loved him excessively?
“What nonsense is this?” Namgung Jeong said.
“Calling me here alone to deal with me quietly—it’s to ensure no rumors tarnish Namgung Un’s path to becoming the next Palace Master, isn’t it?” Bu Eunseol asked. If Namgung Jeong wanted to kill him, he could’ve ordered the clan’s renowned sword formations to swarm him upon entry. Instead, he summoned Bu Eunseol to an empty armory to keep his connection with Namgung Un secret and eliminate him swiftly.
Bu Eunseol stared at Namgung Jeong. “Namgung Un, sent outside, is likely detained by your trusted retainers.”
“You’re clever,” Namgung Jeong admitted, white killing intent rising in his eyes. “Are you ready to die?”
